One of Heaton’s co-workers posted a photograph of the check and Heaton’s tattoo on Facebook, writing: “I would just like to say that being gay does NOT MEAN you don’t believe in God or Jesus. And people who are ‘religious’ should not disrespect or act in such ways to other people. PS They spelled tattoo wrong.”

Heaton said that she was shocked by the family’s action.

“I do believe in Jesus and God. I myself am a Christian,” she told the Rock River Times. “And, as a Christian, thou shall not judge. No matter how someone looks, you should love them for what’s in their heart and how they treat you—not for what is on the outside.”

Heaton said that she was dismayed that the parents’ two young children were witness to the incident.

“The kids are going to be under the impression that it will be OK to discriminate against anybody,” she said.

Heaton’s story has now gone viral on social media, with commentators offering to pay her tip.